Reimagining NYC Citywide Forum!
On Friday, August 4, we invited an intergenerational network of artists, organizers, neighborhood leaders and policymakers to Reimagine New York City. Participants shared their vision for transformative and creative change.
The event was presented in collaboration with THE POINT CDC and hosted at their artful home in Hunts Point, Bronx. Participants had an opportunity to visit Hunts Point neighborhood sites during morning sessions, including a “lunch lab” at local restaurant El Valle and a Village of Murals Tour with THE POINT’s Visual Art Director Carey Clark.
The full convening began in the afternoon, with lunch by in-house Bascom Catering & Events. In the THE POINT’s atrium, participants were encouraged to: prioritize, comment and share stories about Reimagine New York City’s draft recommendations; fill out surveys about their connections to the NOCD-NY network; and view Like The Waters We Rise, a visiting art exhibition representing 50 years of climate justice organizing.
Lunch was followed by a Full Group Session, which included: a welcome performance by Angel R. Rodriguez, musician, vocalist, and actor/writer who has worked with THE POINT for many years; small group storytelling about reimagining our city; and a plenary conversation with Frances Lucerna, El Puente, Kellie Terry, North Star Fund, and Juan Camilo Osorio, Pratt Institute, which was moderated by Charles Rice-Gonzalez, BAAD!
After the full group session, participants chose among several break out sessions:
Strengthening Spaces of Connection and Belonging: Cultural Hubs, Networks, and Public Space
A conversation about the importance of and need to support cultural hubs and networks, and community-determined places/public space with the goal of peer support and advocacy. Facilitated by Prerana Reddy, Recess, with conversation catalysts: Libertad Guerra, The Clemente; Ryan Gilliam, Fourth Arts Block, and Karen Mack, LA Commons
Just and Equitable Support Systems
An opportunity to explore innovative support systems, including social justice philanthropy and solidarity economies and connect cultural equity with other equity and justice efforts. Facilitated by Gonzalo Casals, with conversation catalysts: Kellie Terry, North Star Fund; Arnaldo López, Pregones/PRTT and LxNY: Latinx Arts Consortium of New York; and Monxo Lopez, Mott Haven/Port Morris Community Land Stewards
Creative and Transformative Activism
A discussion about sustained activism and movement building that fully integrates the arts, principles and methodologies for this work, cultural organizing resources, and peer support around challenges. Facilitated by amalia deloney, Arts & Democracy, with conversation catalysts: Hatuey Ramos-Fermín, THE POINT CDC and NOCD-NY; Aamnah Khan, cultural organizer; and Sol Aramendi, artworker, Project Luz
The day’s closing included reflections, highlights and story sharing, with a performance by Bronx-based rapper, poet, singer/songwriter, and event host and curator Lyrical Bliss. The community continued conversations among peers at a post-event party with light snacks and refreshments.
All photos by Scarlet Ramirez, with the exception of Village of Murals Tour photo by Tom Oesau.
Reimagining New York City partners include Arts & Democracy, El Puente, Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center, Staten Island Arts, The Chocolate Factory, The Laundromat Project, THE POINT CDC, Artichoke Dance, City Lore, New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif, Masoom Moitra, Raquel de Anda, and additional collaborators and participants.
Reimagining New York City is supported by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council, New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and National Endowment for the Arts. It is also supported by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation. Previous funders of the early visioning process include The New York Community Trust and Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
